Outset PR's Genesis: Mike Ermolaev on Pioneering PR Strategies Post-FTX Crash

In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency, Mike Ermolaev, the founder and CEO of Outset PR, has carved out a notable presence. His impactful contributions in the field have not gone unnoticed, earning him the top spot on the prestigious Blockchain 35 Under 35 List 2023.

Known for his insightful Crypto Opinion interview series, Mike's notable interviews include engaging conversations with Prince Philip of Serbia about the future of Bitcoin; Matt Sorum from Guns N' Roses, discussing the potential of NFTs and Web3; rapper French Montana, exploring the intersection of music and cryptocurrency; and Paolo Ardoino from Tether, delving into the resilience of the stablecoin.

Every talk in this sequence feels like a captivating adventure, with true professionals who really love what they do leading the way and revealing all the beauty you didn't even realize there was. These discussions aren't simply Q&As; they're a platform where industry leaders impart their knowledge and offer forecasts on the direction of this emerging digital economy. Therefore, we decided to sit down with Mike to discuss the insights he gained from personal encounters with some of the biggest names in the industry and beyond.

From Royal Insights on Bitcoin to Rockstar Conversations Post-Concert

Asked about the most memorable aspects of his conversations, Mike recalls his encounters with Prince Philip of Serbia and Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum.

"Chatting with Prince Philip was just mind-blowing! It's wild to think that a real-life royal is so crazy about Bitcoin – absolutely incredible. Also, having a video call with Matt Sorum, fresh off the stage from his electrifying concert, was an absolutely thrilling and unforgettable moment," Mike said.

With real fire in his belly, he detailed the wide-ranging subjects and thought-provoking nuggets from their deep-dive convos. For example, Matt Sorum discussed the launch of his NFT label with a focus on supporting good causes and making a positive impact, and Prince Philip talked about his journey to becoming a Bitcoin maximalist, emphasizing Bitcoin's role as a fair, decentralized alternative to traditional finance.

Launching Outset PR Amidst Market Turmoil

Asked about whether he experienced any hesitation or fear in starting the agency right after the FTX collapse, Mike said he had one strong reason for doing so: the unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled and trusted team.

“It just became clear that there was a perfect chance to unite my dream team. These guys are the real deal, the kind of people you can trust with anything, and they make magic happen. So, starting something new with them was not scary at all. And this past year has shown us that jumping into this adventure was the best move we could've made,” Mike explained.

Embracing AI and Web3's Rise Amidst the Old Guard's Decline

With a mix of excitement and solemnity in his voice, Mike shared his observations on the evolving landscape of crypto ventures.

"We're seeing a fascinating shift in the market that started sometime in 2021. A significant portion of our clients are deeply invested in AI and non-custodial solutions, riding the wave of cutting-edge technology. There's also a surge in Web3 startups, which are incredibly passionate and driven, living breathlessly on the edge of their investment rounds. However, it's a bittersweet reality that their lifespan in this fast-paced world is becoming tragically shorter.

On the other side, a significant part of the old guard, clinging to outdated crypto solutions, are fading away, unable to keep up with the relentless march of innovation. It's a dynamic, ever-changing scene, filled with both thrilling potential and poignant reminders of the relentless pace of progress."

The New Era of Organic Growth in Crypto PR

According to Mike, businesses must get creative, and they can succeed even with limited budgets.

"The landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. I see a growing demand for breaking into tier-1 media. And traditional tools like press releases are no longer effective. In fact, they haven't really been effective for the last decade, but now we're now spotting a clear trend towards natural, organic growth, saying goodbye to the old-school PR tactics.

Let's face it: if you want to make some serious waves in the big-league media, it's not just about wanting it. You need killer news and a strategy that works. Simply getting noticed isn't the end game anymore; what matters is telling stories that resonate. And honestly, if you're aiming for tier-1 media without bringing some strong info to the table, you're just not going to make it or hit your targets. The focus has shifted from mere visibility to creating meaningful, impactful narratives that bring real value to the readers."

Outset PR's Innovative Shift: Tailoring Strategies for Dynamic Market Success

Discussing how Outset PR is adapting to these market changes, Mike highlighted the agency's innovative approaches.

"We've developed a unique technology to attract motivated organic traffic through more efficient publications. We're not just checking off a to-do list but creating customized campaigns within our clients’ budgets that sync up with their unique goals and standing in the market.

Traditional PR methods just aren't enough anymore; we're all about defining ambitious goals and focusing on solid wins like expanding our clients’ reach and boosting their profits. We're constantly evolving our strategies and taking creative approaches to meet their goals in a market that’s always in flux.

Plus, we're trendsetters, no joke. We made those cool listicles this summer, and guess what? Now we see our rivals copying the same play in the same media. But we're already on to the next big thing, staying a step ahead," Mike explained.

Decoding the Power Play: How Media Holdings Are Reshaping the Crypto Narrative

Reflecting on the crypto landscape, particularly the recent shakeup with Bullish's CoinDesk takeover, Ermolaev shared his take.

"Media holdings are increasingly influential in shaping the crypto narrative. Just remember the recent erroneous crypto ETF post from Cointelegraph which triggered a sudden rise in Bitcoin price.

So, when you get down to it, what we're seeing is this: buying CoinDesk is just a part of the bigger picture where companies are branching out from just media. This includes specialized media holdings like Investoo and Finixio, as well as multi-format holdings such as Cointelegraph and Bitcoin.com. If you're playing the crypto PR game, getting a handle on how these bigwig groups sway the cryptocurrency narrative is super important. Big players shape public opinion and market trends.”

Final Thoughts

With such depth and precision, Mike Ermolaev broke down the crypto PR world, making it clear he's really got his finger on the pulse. With his knack for untangling the knots of this field and his gift for spotting future market swings, Mike is shaping up to be a game-changer in how crypto PR rolls.

Reflecting on this journey, Mike shared, "As I look back at our path at Outset PR, I'm filled with a sense of pride and excitement. In the unpredictable sea of cryptocurrency, we didn't just float – we learned to ride the waves and excel. Every hurdle we've stumbled upon has only sparked our imagination, forced us to shift our perspective, and seriously ramped up our commitment to the folks relying on us. Peering into the future, I'm stoked by the limitless possibilities just waiting for us to seize them. It's not just about being in this game; we're actually shaping its future. And this is a truly rewarding experience.”